SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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Skin cancer awareness, kissed by the Caribbean

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. This is a great time before summer to brush up on everything you need to know about skin cancer risks. Understanding what to look for, learning how to protect yourself, finding out your skin cancer risks, and getting the resources and help you need, this month serves as the perfect opportunity to educate ourselves and prevent future damage to your skin and your health.

Ultraviolet radiation causes premature aging and cancer. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and bounce off snow, water, and even sand. Most of us are aware that UV damage happens when you sit out in the sun too long without protection. But it can also accumulate over time, from years of little or prolonged sun exposure.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is not the only cause of skin damage and cancer. Risk factors include tanning beds, photosensitivity, and skin type. In fact, tanning beds increase your risk of developing skin cancer by 75 percent with just one tanning session.

Photosensitivity occurs while taking over-the-counter medications, using skin-care products, or for people who may have a medical condition or genetic disorder that causes their skin to break out in a burn or rash after exposure to UV light. These instances raise your risk for damage making photosensitivity increase your risk for skin cancer.

a crowd of people are sitting in a stadium watching a concert .

Skin type plays a major role in skin damage and cancer risks as well. Not all skin types are the same, and research shows fair tones are more at risk for sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer affects people of all colors, including those with darker skin tones who always tan or rarely burn. For people of color, it’s often diagnosed too late, making it harder to treat. This includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American descent.

Early detection is key in any fight against cancer, especially when it comes to your skin. To help minimize your risk, seek shade and avoid sitting out in the sun too long and getting burnt. Cover up with clothing, hats, and sunscreen. Examine your skin regularly from head-to-toe at least once a month and make a note of any changes that may require further attention from your primary care provider or a dermatologist.

The good news is that 99% of skin cancer cases are curable if they are diagnosed early enough and the patient undergoes treatment. Skin cancer is easy to detect in most patients because it grows on the outside of the skin. Learning what to look for can save your life if you educate yourself correctly.

When trying to spot melanoma, pay attention to asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and if your mole is changing in size, shape, or color. Also, watch for new, expanding or changing growths, new spots or bumps on your skin, any rough scaly red patches which may crust over or bleed, any wart-like growths, or a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal after a few weeks. All of these skin conditions should result in a visit to your dermatologist or primary care physician. A good rule of thumb when trying to spot possible skin cancer is to not hesitate to call your primary care physician or dermatologist if anything looks abnormal. If you are at high risk for skin cancer, you may want to consider a once-a-year full-body professional exam.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70. The most common cancer in the United States doesn’t stand a chance if we take precautions, lower our risks, and regularly conduct self-exams to ensure there is nothing to worry about.

This summer, seek shade, cover up, and try not to sit in the sun too long and let your skin burn. Together, we can lower our risks, reduce damage, and ensure our future is skin cancer free.

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With Kissed by Caribbean Mobile spray tans, you can expect to get 7-10 days of beautiful color. Our body is shedding skin cells every day, some faster than others based on their daily activities. Using "spray tan friendly" products are imperative to make your spray tan last long and fade evenly. These products can be purchased through Kissed by the Caribbean.

It's always best to schedule at least a week in advance. You can book directly from my website or my Facebook page. The most ideal day to spray tan is 2 days prior to a special event.

Kissed by the Caribbean needs an area with good lighting and enough space for the pop up tent. The master bathroom, foyer or kitchen usually work best.

Kissed by the Caribbean is set apart from the rest because I take the time to know your uniqueness in skin care. I combine our spray tan sessions with science of skin and advanced technology to always give clients optimal beauty and radiance. I provide premium service of pre and post spray tan care and top of the line solution application. My solutions offer customizable colors as well as being safe to apply to all skin types. All solutions contain natural and organic ingredients, are palm oil free, and are hydrating to the skin.

Preferably 24 hours prior to your appointment, shower, shave and exfoliate with a mitt or glove. Moisturize heavily this day, more so than you typically do, paying particular attention to the shins, elbows, ankles, wrists. Please do not use any Dove products before or with a spray tan. The morning of your appointment, you should take a very quick shower and do a very quick exfoliation with the glove or mitt WITH WATER ONLY to make sure you removed all residue of products used the day before. This should be done at least 3 hours prior to your appointment. The solution requires a minimum of 2 hours on the skin to a maximum of 8 hours (or overnight for convenience sake). Do not sweat or get wet during this time. When it is time to rinse, take a quick warm water rinse with just water and use your hands only until the water runs clear. Always pat the skin dry. Do not work out and sweat during this time as it is still in development. Do not use any products on the skin for the first 24 hours after the appointment. After the first 24 hours, you may use spray tan friendly products to cleanse and moisturize with. Never use a wash cloth or loofah on the skin. Once again pat the skin dry. It is best to moisturize within the first 3 minutes after patting yourself dry. Before your next appointment, refer back to step 1 again.

Female clients are welcome to spray tan bare, or with underwear and bra. Gentlemen are required to wear bottoms.

Loose clothing, preferable dark in color. No denim or tight leggins for 24 hours.

Yes! There is no SPF protection within the tanning solution. An oil-free sunscreen is recommended.